Gunturpronunciation(help·info) (Telugu: గుంటూరు, Urdu: گنٹور) is a city and a municipal corporation in the Indianstate of Andhra Pradesh, located 40 miles (64 km) to the north and west of the Bay of Bengal. It is approximately 1,000 miles (1,600 km) to the south of the capital, New Delhi. The city has an estimated population of 818,330 (514,707 as per 2001 census) with an Urban Agglomeration of approximately 1,028,667. Guntur is one of the larger (tier-2) cities in the country.

Guntur is a centre of learning and the administrative capital of Guntur district, which is home of historically significant Amaravati, Bhattiprolu and Sitanagaram monuments. The city is also a centre for business, industry, and agriculture. The region is identified as a major transportation and textile hub in India. Additionally, the Guntur area economy has an agricultural component that is internationally known for its exports of chillies, cotton, and tobacco.

History

The Kingdom of Pratipalapura of 500 BCE (Bhattiprolu in Guntur district), appears to be the earliest known kingdom in south India. The earliest recorded reference of Guntur comes from the Idern plates of Ammaraja I (922-929 CE), the Vengi Chalukyan king. Guntur also appears in two other inscriptions dated 1147 CE and 1158 CE. The original Sanskrit (ancient Vedic culture/tradition) name for Guntur was Garthapuri (a place surrounded by water ponds('garta'/'gunta')).

An old temple at Garthapuri

The 'Agasthyeswara Sivalayam' in the old city is an ancient temple for Lord Siva. It has inscriptions on two stones in 'Naga Lipi' (an ancient script) dating back to about 1100 CE. It is considered one of the Hindu holy sites in the region. The backyard of the temple hosts a very historic tree . It is said that Agastya built the temple in the last Treta-Yuga around the Swayambhu Linga and hence it has this name. The 'Nagals' were said to have ruled the region at that time. The region has been historically known for Buddhism and the first Kalachakra ceremony performed by Buddha himself [2][3].

Modern Guntur

A city street

With the advent of the Europeans the city attained more international significance. The French shifted their headquarters from Kondavid Fort to here in 1752, probably because of the ample availability of water due to the two large tanks. This settlement formed the nucleus of the modern city. The Nizam and Haidar Ali too ruled the town till it came under the British in 1788. It was made the headquarters of a district named after it that was abolished in 1859, only to be reconstituted in 1904. The city rapidly became a major market for agricultural produce from the hinterland due to the opening of the railway link in 1890. The expansion continued post independence as well and was concentrated in what is now called "New Guntur". [5][6] The current size of the city has an inner radius of about 6 miles (9.7 km). The City-region comprises the surrounding suburban and rural areas spanning in all the directions. New townships are mushrooming in these areas. [7][8]

Geography

Guntur Region from a Satellite

Guntur Plains: Guntur is located at 16°12′N80°16′E﻿ / ﻿16.20°N 80.27°E﻿ / 16.20; 80.27[9]. It has an average elevation of 33 metres (108 ft) and situated on the plains. There are a few hills in the surrounding suburban areas. The city is located around 40 miles (64 km) to the west of the Bay of Bengal on the east coast of India. The Krishna Delta lies partly in Guntur district. There are other smaller rivers and channels in the region such as Guntur Channel, Chandravanka, Naagileru, Guntur Branch Canal [10] etc.

As quoted in NASA's website [11] "it is typical of the wider deltas along the southeast coast of India (known as the Coromandel Coast). The braided stream channels, broad floodplain, and extensive sandbars suggest that this part of the Krishna River flows through relatively flat terrain and carries a substantial amount of sediment, especially during the monsoon season." Image Website of NASAof the Guntur City and District/Region of India. With the ocean on the top portion of the image, the actual location of the city is on the bottom right side portion of the image.

Rain storms and hurricanes are common in the region during the rainy season, which starts with the monsoons in early June. The hurricanes could occur any time of the year, but commonly between May and November.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census[12], Guntur had a population of 514,707. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Guntur has an average literacy rate of 68%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 74%, and female literacy is 62%. In Guntur, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

The region extends over an area of 11.68 sq. miles, while its population was about 25,000 by 1866 census and 30,183 by 1902 census. By 1961 census Guntur had a population of 187,122. It has grown about six times in its size during these 60 years. Currently the city is estimated to have population of around 800,000 with Urban Agglomeration of approximately 1,028,667.

Culture and diversity

Festival Parade

With the culture and traditions of ageless Sanatana Dharma/Ancient Vedic Civilization (known as Hinduism) and its principles (Sarvē Janā Sukhinō Bhavantu), the Guntur Region had a place for all religions, castes, sects and creeds. Guntur is known for its diverse culture and acceptance of multiculturalism. One of the purportedly lost tribes of Israel called Bene Ephraim, has a presence in Guntur, with even a Jewish synagogue. Religious faiths such as Islam and Christianity lead a harmonious, peaceful existence.

City lifestyle

The city's lifestyle has a mixture of both urban and rural with some cosmopolitan element. Like any typical Indian city, the majority of the population is from middle class and lower middle class families. With a reasonable cost of living and most basic amenities readily available, the city attracts people from other regions. Guntur is known for its fusion of traditional Indian and Western cultures. Guntur's residents wear both Indian style and Western style clothing. The common traditional clothing for women is a Saree, Salwar and for men formally, a Dhovathi or Pancha or casually, a Lungi.

Economy

Cotton-Tobacco-Chilli city

Farming outside city

Guntur City and its region is a major commercial centre in India. Cotton, tobacco and chilli are some of the major commodities that are exported from here to different parts of the world. The city hosts the largest Asian market [13] for red chillies. The Tobacco Board, India, a part of the Government of India, is headquartered in Guntur. The chillies that are grown in this region are some of the hottest in the world, and are in constant competition [14] with chillies from Mexico for first place. One of the first of its kind, a global 'Spice Park' is currently being setup in the area. [15]. The cotton that grows in the region is used in making some of the finest sarees in India[16].

Industrialisation

The industrial development in the Guntur Region is of medium scale. On a positive note the region has minimal industrial and related pollution as compared to major cities in the country. It has a large skilled and educated workforce. Some of the industries in the area are: textile mills/handloom, silk, Sangam Dairy, Cement, Chemical and Biotechnology, Andhra Fertilizers, jute mills, granite industries, diamond and other ore processing (Hindustan Zinc Limited), Auto-Nagar and software/IT Companies. A Textile Hub is being developed on the southwestern side of the city [17], and the government is also encouraging the setting up of new industries. Another ongoing project is a 850 crore IT park in Guntur outskirts.[18] Possible future plans include a large scale Biotechnology Park, [19] as well as a Knowledge Park.

Farming and Vegetation

The Guntur region is one of the most fertile areas in India. With the River Krishna flowing to the north of the district, the area has many farmlands and paddy fields growing wide varieties of rice, other food grains, and other various crops. The Guntur Branch Canal (GBC) and other smaller rivers serve water to the farmlands in the region.

A social forestry project for Guntur is on the anvil to make the region greener; Guntur[20], (since only about 35% of the forest in the district has survived as per available statistics, a common issue throughout India). The government is closely working with other corporates in meeting the goals. As a part of this Green Guntur project, one crore saplings have been planted in the city. The city's UDA is also developing many medium and large scale parks throughout the city.

Ports and Shore points

Located about 40 miles (64 km) from the city's urban area, the region has abundant coastline for trade, transport, and tourism. Though the exports from Guntur region mainly depend on Chennai harbour, there is a push to bring back one of its shore points as a harbour, with a chemical park also under consideration [21].

A port city to be built[22] near Nizampatnam in Guntur District. This is part of a major renovation of the Nizampatnam Harbour. The development of this harbour will enable the Guntur region to be a major port player, with direct access to exports and imports to, around the world Projects Today,Yahoo News.

Suryalanka is a tourist shore point 40 miles (64 km) south of Guntur City, with all desirable features of a sea shore. It is complete with balmy beaches and world-class resorts. This is one of the top tourism hubs in the area.

Transportation

Roadways

Autos on a Street

Main Bus Station

The city is the regional headquarters of the State Road Transport System. It is connected to all the major cities of the country through various national and state highways. There are major highways such as Madras—Guntur—Kolkata highway, Guntur—Nagarjuna Sagar—Hyderabad highway (which can take to other major routes like Mumbai and Delhi) and the Guntur— Vinukonda -Kurnool highway. Within the city the traffic primarily flows using the inner, outer ring-roads, few bridges, main roads. Many intersections have innovative traffic signals and video cameras to control and monitor the traffic [23]. Common modes of road transport within the city are cars, motorcycles, buses, and auto-rickshaws; antique pedal rickshaws can still be seen. The city is also a major part of the 60,000 crore Golden Quadrilateral system, a national transportation project that has recently been completed.

Railways

Guntur junction is one of the Divisional headquarters(Guntur division) and a major transit point of the Indian RailwaysSystem. All four "super metro" cities and most state capitals can be accessed through this transit point. Greater Guntur has the following stations: the Main Station (near Arundelpet and Railpet) and the others at Nallapadu, University-Center(Namburu), New Guntur(Reddipalem). Two other major transit points close to Guntur are: Tenali and Vijayawada with a future plan of running suburban trains in the suburban region. The Indian Railways is one of the most convenient and efficient systems of commute for the people throughout India.

Air travel

The closest major airport is located at Hyderabad (4.5 hours travel). A local airport at Gannavaram offers daily flights to Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore City. There is a proposal to build a more practical airport to the south-west of Guntur City [24].

Academics/education and research

Guntur is one of the first cities to provide higher education and graduate programs in India. The Acharya Nagarjuna University is one of the largest universities in the country, and covers various institutions from 3 districts. There are a number of graduate schools, colleges, and high schools providing basic and higher education (agricultural, arts, bio-med, engineering, management, medical, nursing, pharmaceutical, sciences, technology) in the region. The Guntur Institute of Medical Sciences is one of many premier institutes in the city region. The Vedic University near Guntur specializes in the teaching of Vedic Sciences, other related philosophies, and the Vedanta.

City Affairs

Sunny day

The climate in Guntur City is very tropical in nature, but there are dry spells especially during the winter season, Current Temperature@City. The average temperature is warm to hot throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from approximately 16C to 48C (60F to 118F). [25] The summer season (especially during May/June) has the highest temperatures, but these are usually followed by monsoon rains in that season. The winter season (from October to February) is the most enjoyable with a pleasant climate. Summer clothing suffices throughout the year. Local Time at Guntur.

Local Cuisine

BreakFast

Main Market

Guntur City is famous for the food items such as mirchi bajji (mirapakaya bajji), aavakaaya pickle, gongura pickle , with traditional Andhra style meals and common breakfast items such as Idli, pesara/ravva/attu dosa, and puri. [26] There are many top quality Hotels that offer varieties of food items (from several regions of India). The common masala stands, jilebi push-carts, sugar cane juice sellers can be noticed in every corner of the city. There are also International Fast Food and pizza outlets. The city has many star class lodgings, inns and hotels.

Market

Supermarket

There are numerous markets selling vegetables, fruits, flowers and other commodities throughout the city. Also, many Super Markets and Malls are opening due to the rapidly expanding middle and upper classes. The 'Patnam Bazar' area of the city is famous for the wholesale market of many consumer goods. The traditional method of selling vegetables, flowers and other consumer goods using push-carts is still very common and effective. There are special Rythu-Bazars[27] in every corner of the city to sell fresh produce. Locally famous fruits and vegetables include the oval shaped - (unique honey taste) - sapota, mango, Seethaphalam, and Dosakai (cucumber).

Entertainment and events

A Cineplex

ExpCamelOnRide

Motion Pictures/Films are a common form of entertainment in the city as well as in the rest of India. Guntur has many movie theatres that play Telugu, English, and Hindi movies with many multiplex theatres. Though not as popular, traditional drama and theatrical events too have their presence in the city [28]. The Guntur Nataka Rangam, Guntur Cultural Association [29] are premier organizations in the state that promote and conduct theatrical events. During early summer season there are festivals and fairs that take place in the city, many types of rides, shows, novelties and food. There are numerous places of interest and parks in and around the city/district for entertainment, culture, and history. Suryalanka is the closest beach/shore-point for the city. There are also many shopping malls that have come up in the city area.

Museum

Infrastructure and media

Guntur's infrastructure includes state-of-the-art technologies such as broadband Internet and multimedia for applications such as news, education and other forms of information. News sources, in Telugu, such as Sakshi,Andhra Jyothi,Eenadu,Vaartha and those in English, such as, The Hindu (newspaper) are widely used. Many newspaper headquarters are located within the city. Cable TV news has become another common mode for news information.

Health care

The region of Guntur is one of the medical hubs in India. It offers wide access to top medical care at reasonable prices and has a variety of charity hospitals that serve as a safety net for the destitute. It boasts major medical facilities (super specialty hospitals) and related research institutions. The General Hospital provides free health care to people across the coastal districts. The Sankar Eye Hospital[30], Kugler Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital are just a few of the many premier hospitals in the region. A new medical facility VIMS [4] is established at Viswanagar to serve the people in the rural areas that are to the south and west of the city.

Both bureaucrats and elected officials manage the city affairs and issues. The municipal commissioner and district collector are usually from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). The MP, MLAs, Mayor, corporators constitute the local elected officials. Initiatives such as E-Governance are being put in place to reduce red-tapism, thereby enabling transparency in administration. The Guntur Municipal Corporation is among the select cities (4) across the world where an ‘eco-budget’ is being implemented. [31]

Law and order

City Court

Guntur Range (Andhra Pradesh Police Department) is the regional headquarters of the State Police with its own Inspector General covering three nearby districts (including Guntur district). The High Court was in Guntur briefly after the separation from the erstwhile Madras State, [32] which was later moved to the current state capital after the formation of AP. There is a pending plan to create a High Court bench at Guntur, covering for the coastal districts. [33] Guntur also hosts one of the Indian Army recruitment and training centres[34]. Suryalanka of Guntur Region has an airbase of the Indian Air Force.

Famous for chaturmukha Brahma and Lord Nageswara Swamy. Has a beautiful red stone Nandi.

Ponnur

Ancient, Spiritual

Guntur Rural/District

25 Miles S

Famous for temples with huge monolithic statues of Lord Hanuma etc.

Sports and stadia

The city has hosted several national and international level sporting events for various sports. It is one of the places in India to host the International Grandmaster Chess tournaments. [39]Cricket is the most common and well followed sporting event, there are other sports such as kabbadi, volleyball, basketball, tennis, badminton, table tennis hosted regularly. Following is a list of stadiums in and around the city [40].

Countryside

Main article: Guntur Rural

Chilakaluripet [42] is a countryside of Guntur City. The present prosperous place that is developing in education, arts and business was once called "Chilakala Thota, Rajagari Kota and Purushothamapatnam". The British called the area "Chick pet." Due to the orchards, a number of parrots used to come here and live on the trees. So that this place was once called "Chilakaluri" in the time of the Chilakaluripetzamindars.

Chebrolu is a major panchayat comprising three villages Chebrolu, Pathareddypalem and Kothareddypalem. It is a mandal headquarters. Buckingham canal, which passes nearby is used for inland transport and irrigation. It was a regional fort for the Pallavas, Chalukyas and the Kakatiya Empire. Its ancient name was Sambhole (from which 'Chebrolu' is derived). Chalukya inscriptions are found in the village. Chebrolu is mentioned in the Yuddhamalluni-Vijayawada inscriptions. It became famous during the rule of the Kakatiyas, as a great general Jayapa ruled Chebrolu. Jayapa's sisters Naramma and Peramma married Ganapatideva, the Kakatiya king. Jayapa also wrote a famous book on Indian dance, Nrutyaratnavali.

Trivia

Mica (Abhrakam in Telugu/Sanskrit) was first discovered around 2200 years ago in the Guntur region, believed to be by the Great Philosopher Acharya Nagarjuna.

Pierre Jules Cesar Janssen (1824-1907) discovered the existence of Helium in the Sun, while watching a complete solar eclipse in Guntur, in 1868. The unusual length of the eclipse, about ten minutes, had attracted many scientists from all over the world. [43]

Jinnah tower, a commemorative tower for Pakistan's founder Muhammed Ali Jinnah is unique to Guntur in the whole of South Asia. [46]

The 30th Kalachakra International Festival took place at Amaravathi of Guntur in the presence of the Dalai Lama during January 2006. [47]

Guntur is one of the major textile hubs and a major business district in India[48].

The name of a dormant volcano near Guntur City is Mangalagiri, which is believed to be kept under control through traditional means. People pour a sweet liquid known as Panakam (Jaggery Water) and it said to please the gods. [49]

From Wikitravel

Contents

This article or section does not match our manual
of style or needs other editing. Please plunge forward,
give it your attention and help it improve!

The municipal corporation of Guntur[1] (also referred to
as "Guntur City") is located on the plains, 40 miles west of Bay of
Bengal on the east coast region of India. It is one of the major cities in the
Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Its district is
surrounded by the River Krishna, where it merges into the
ocean.

In ancient times the city was referred as "Garthapuri". It's
current estimated population is around 700,000. It is one of the
larger cities in the country.

Guntur city

Orientation

History

People

Festivals

Economy

By plane

There are now flights to Vijayawada from Hyderabad, Chennai and
Bangalore. Vijayawada is less than a half hour bus ride away.

One can also use a flight (National or International) to Hyderabad airport and take
a train (4 to 5 hour travel) to Guntur. For other international connections, Chennai can also be used which
is an 8 hour train ride from Guntur City.

By train

There are plenty of trains available at the Guntur Central
Station to get to any part of the country. There is high frequency
of trains that travel to Hyderabad. Local (suburban) train travel is
available between Guntur, Vijayawada and Tenali.

By bus

Local city buses are run by state owned APSRTC. They cover not
only the entire city region, but also the suburban and near by
rural areas with high frequency.

Deluxe buses travel to longer distances with in the state as
well outside the state, for example to Hyderabad and Bangalore.

Private buses -- many private buses travel across the region
covering both center city, suburban and rural areas. But the draw
back of the private buses is that they don't maintain good
schedules.

Parking in the city is improving. It may be easy to park two
wheelers, but finding parking for Cars bit harder. Generally
parking is provided by the city government as well as the business
owners.

On foot

Buses

By Car (Local)

There are many Car Rental Companies available which Provide world Class Services in Guntur.

Commuter Rail - Using the local trains, Guntur city region can
be accessed with the following train stops. The circular trains are
to be introduced in the near future.

Nallapadu (Guntur West Suburban)

Main Central (Downtown)

New Guntur (Guntur North Urban)

Nambur (Guntur East Suburban)

Vadlamudi (Guntur Rural)

Taxi

Auto

Motorbike/Bicycle

Motorbiking or cycling in downtown and busy areas can often be
quicker than taking the auto-rickshaw or a taxi.

See

Ancient &
Archaeological

Amaravathi:

Budda Stupa
This image has been recommended for
deletion.

Located 16 miles(N-E) from Guntur City, Amaravathi is named
after its famous temple of Amareswara Swamy with the swayambhu
linga. Also the Mahachaitya stupa, built in the 2nd Century B.C. in
Amaravathi, is richly adorned with carvings depicting the life and
teachings of the Buddha. The stupa houses a small museum with a
collection of old monuments, and a pictorial depiction of the
Buddha's life and teachings and terracotta antiquities. The temple
walls have a number of inscriptions that throw light on the
different dynasties that reigned over this place.
A Recent Finding. The Museum at Guntur, has collection of
various relics and antiques such as Stupa-slabs, railings,
sculpture, coins of gold, silver and lead, potsherds and crystals
caskets.

Bhattiprolu is located 20 miles(S-W) of the city, formerly the
Kingdom of Prati Palaputra, appears to be the earliest known
kingdom in Guntur District.
archaelogical information gathered in the area of
Bhattiprolu.

Kondaveedu

Image:Kondaveetikota2.jpg

Kondaveedu is located 17 Miles from Guntur City . This
historical fort was built during the reign of the Reddy kings in
14th century A.D. there are 21 structures in the fort . The ruins
of the fort located on the hilltop offer unraveled mysteries to the
tourist. A place of natural scenic beauty with natural wonders it
is an ideal place for trekking. The Gopinatha temple and
Kathulabave at the foot of the hillock, numerous temples,
residential structures, pillared halls on the hill and the entrance
gate ways on east and west sides are the attractions at
kondavidu.

Kotappakonda, the temporal abode of Trikoteswara Swamy, is a
village, 25 miles south- west Guntur City near Narsaraopet. Its
original name is Kondakavuru, but is more popularly known as
Kotappakonda or Trikutaparvatam, a three-peaked hill nearby. Though
surrounded by other hills, the three hills, also known by the names
of Trikutachalam or Trikutadri, can be distinctly seen from a
distance from any direction. The three peaks are named after the
Hindu Triumvirate, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara. Guthikonda
popularly known as Dakshina Kasi is located near Narasaraopeta. The
Guthikonda Caves
http://www.all-indiatravel.com/guntur/guthikonda-guntur.html
here are place of deep mystery attracting many tourists to
explore.

Sitanagaram

Image:Guntur-sitanagaram-1.jpg

Sitanagaram is located 16 miles North-East of Guntur City on the
banks of river Krishna with a vast sandy beach for recreation and
leisure. The famous Someswara Swamy temple is situated here
According to the legend Lord Rama wept here for Sita when she was
abducted by Ravana, hence the name Sitanagaram.

Undavalli-caves, Mangalagiri

Image:Mangalagiri-1.jpgImage:Undavalli.jpg Located 13 miles
northeast of Guntur city, these two places are easily accessible on
the Guntur-Kolkata Express Way.Managalagiri is famous for its
temple of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha swamy. The hill used to be an
active volcano. It is at an altitude of 30 meters above the sea
level. Latitude is 16.44 degrees north, and longitude is 80.56
degrees east. Here at the temple, jaggery water is offered to the
lord by the devotees. According to the ancient scriptures, the lord
is being worshiped since Satya Yuga (The first of the four yugas).
In the down hill there is another temple dedicated to Lakshmi
Narasimha Swamy. It is said that, Yudhishtira (Dharmaraju, the
eldest of the Pandavas) installed the main deity in this temple.
The temple has a very tall tower with beautiful sculpture which has
11 stairs.

Downtown and city centres

Image:Sarovar-2-1.jpg

Guntur City has its own nice/modest downtown, midtown/city
centers and uptown/residential areas. To name a few,
1. Center of Brodipet and ArundelPet,
2. Jinnah Tower Center, 3. Naaz
Center, 4. Inner and Outer Ringroads,
5. Old Guntur, 6. Brindavan
Gardens: A name which is identified with one of the famous
residential areas, 7. Manasa Sarovar: This is like
the Central Park for Guntur City. Located on the Eastern part of
the city, it is one of the man made parks located in Guntur.
Managed by the GMC and UDA together.

Krishna Barrage

Krishna Barrage (also known as Prakasam Barrage) is on the
northeastern part, located around 18 miles from the Guntur City on
the Krishna River connecting Guntur and Krishna Districts. On the
other side of the River Krishna is Bezwada which is like a twin
city to Guntur. Together the two/twin cities provide major medical,
educational facilities in the state. This region is also a major
transportation hub in the country. There is a future plan to make
'Greater Guntur' and twin cities comprising this area.

Nagarjuna
Sagar, a massive irrigation project on the River Krishna, about
100 miles from Guntur City, has a rich and interesting past. It was
a valley in the Nallamala range of the Eastern Ghats with
civilizations dating back to thousands of years. Recorded history,
however, assigns the first signs to the later Satavahanas and
subsequently the Ikshvakus in the third century. The Sriparvata and
Vijayapuri of yore were really temples where the famous savant and
Philosopher Acharya Nagarjuna preached the message of the Buddha.
The Ethipothala Falls located 7 miles from Nagarjunasagar, the
water here is used for crocodile breeding.

Located to the South-West of the City near Chowdavaram (10
miles), easily accessible using the GNT-Chennai Express way (NH5).
This is the place of Sri Viswayogi Viswamji and the Universal
Integration Pillar. It is an envisioned symbol of oneness of
humanity. Also located here is the VIMS/Viswayogi Institute of
Medical Sciences (Mother and Child Care Hospital).

A few of the famous temples and other
shrines

Image:KaliGardens.jpg

- Temple of Chaturmukha Brahma Lingeswaralayam located 8 miles
to the center city of Guntur. It is one of rare temples of India
built for Lord Brahma. - Sri Anjaneya Swamy Temple at Ponnuru
(which has large idols) and Kothapet. - Sri Bhavanarayanaswamy
temples at Bapatla(built at the time of Shri Krishna Deva Raya) and
Ponnuru. - Temple at Ramalingeswara Agraharam. It has old
inscriptions dating to 1000 years ago. - Kakani Malleswara Swamy
temple at Pedda Kakani built during the era of Krishnadevaraya. -
Hinkar Tirtha (Jain Temple, Mangalagiri), VaikuntaPuram(Tenali). -
Sri Kali Gardens at Namburu. -Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple
(Anantavaram) 32Kms from Guntur and 10kms from Amaravathi.

Guntur has three star hotels like Vajram Recidency, Sindhuri,
and Vijya Krishna International. Hotel Surya Mahabodhi located in
Brodiepet 4th line 10th cross is very famous for its delicacies.
Especially the Vada Sambar variety they serve is a feast for your
appetite. Also don't forget to taste Guntur Mirchi Bajji. You may
get it elsewhere in AP also but the taste that you get in Guntur is
absolutely matchless. Two more restaurents namely Nakshatra(A 3
star hotel, located at Lakshmipuram main road) and Grand Nagarjuna
are very famous in Guntur.

For grocery shopping, one can go to the super markets like
Triveni supermarket, Reliance Fresh. Moreover Spencers and
Subhiksha are famous for grocery shopping. Apart from these
supermarkets, the Guntur vegitable market is one of the biggest in
Andhra Pradesh.

Drink

Many Three star hotels are there in Guntur like Grand
Nagarjuna,Sindhuri, Vijaya krishan, Nakshatra.--192.147.222.2
23:54, 16 December 2008 (EST)

From LoveToKnow 1911

GUNTUR; a town and district of British India,
in the Madraspresidency. The town
(pop. in 1901, 30,833) has a station on the Bellary-Bezwada branch of the Southern Mahratta railway. It is situated east
of the Kondavid hills, and is very healthy. It appears to have been
founded in the 18th century by the French. At the time of the
cession of the Circars to the English in 1765, Guntur was specially
exempted during the life of Basalat Jang, whose personal
jagir it was. In 1788 it came into British possession, the
cession being finally confirmed in 1823. It has an important trade
in cotton, with presses and
ginning factories. There is a second-grade college supported by the
American Lutheran Mission.
Until 1859, Guntur was the headquarters of a district of the same
name, and in 1904 a new District Of Guntur was constituted,
covering territory which till then had been divided between Kistna and Nellore. Area, 5733 sq. m. The population on
this area in 1901 was 1,490,635. The district is bounded on the E.
and N. by the river Kistna; in the W. a considerable part of the
boundary is formed by the Gundlakamma river. The greater part
consists of a fertile plain irrigated by canals from the Kistna,
and producing cotton, rice and
other crops.